Daniel Patrick Moynihan: The Intellectual in Public Life

Rating:
Summary: Short Tribute To The Senator
Review:
If you do not already know, this is a short to medium length book just 238 pages long. It has a lengthy introduction in multiple parts by Susan Jones of the Museum of the City of New York, Robert Katzmann (who also acts as the editor), and Charles Blitzer of the Woodrow Wilson Center. This is followed by 12 short essays on Moynihan by his former colleagues, each covering a different aspect of his life and his work. At the back is an extensive appendix that lists for example his honorary degrees - a list that takes two full pages in small type, his medals, sample publications, a brief biography of himself and his wife, descriptions of appointments and prior jobs in and out of government. It also provides a lot of other information on his legislation etc.

It is not a biography but it gives an idea of what other people thought of him and does so with many short and often humorous stories and quotations. Daniel Patrick Moynihan moved back and forth between government and the university with many, many, accomplishments and honors. This book gives a sampling of what those were.

It is a special tribute to Moynihan from his friends and colleagues.

Jack in Toronto